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OFFICE OF THE
SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR CONDEMNS MURDER OF COMMUNICATOR IN HONDURAS

Washington, D.C., December
17, 2014. – The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of
the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) condemns the murder of
journalist Reynaldo Paz Mayes, owner of Canal
28, which took place on December 15 in the city of Comayagua, department of
Comayagua, Honduras. The Office of the Special Rapporteur expresses its deep
concern and urges the Honduran authorities to act urgently to establish the
motive of this crime and to investigate, prosecute and punish the perpetrators
and masterminds responsible for this murder.

According to the
information received, Paz Mayes was exercising in the morning at a sports
center of the city when he was attacked by unknown persons who shot him at
least twice. Paz Mayes also ran critical opinion and analysis programs on the
situation of the country.

The Office of the
Special Rapporteur considers it essential for the Honduran State to clarify as
soon as possible the motive for this crime; identify, prosecute, and punish
those responsible; and adopt fair measures of reparation for the victim's family.
In light of the series of murders committed against journalists in Honduras
since 2009, it is critical that the State carry out a complete, effective, and
impartial investigation of these crimes, which have a negative impact on all of
Honduran society.

The Office of the
Special Rapporteur insists that the State needs to create special investigative
bodies and protocols, as well as protection mechanisms designed to ensure the
integrity of those who are being threatened because of their work in journalism.
During the recent onsite visit to Honduras, the Commission considered that the
authorities should ensure that the bill for the protection of journalists,
human rights defenders, and justice operators is urgently approved. The
Commission also urged the State to continue a dialogue with all sectors
involved, to be able to take into account their concerns and the international
standards that apply to protection mechanisms. As well as to properly define
who is a journalist, communications professional, and media worker, so that
protection measures address their work-related needs and ensure their right to
freedom of expression.

Principle 9 of the IACHR
Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression states: "[t]he murder,
kidnapping, intimidation of and/or threats to social communicators, as well as
the material destruction of communications media violate the fundamental rights
of individuals and strongly restrict freedom of expression. It is the duty of
the state to prevent and investigate such occurrences, to punish their
perpetrators and to ensure that victims receive due compensation."

The Office of the
Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression was created by the Inter-American
Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to encourage the defense of the right to
freedom of thought and expression in the hemisphere, given the fundamental role
this right plays in consolidating and developing the democratic system.